70 years of Nies Clan Reunion

submitted by Janet Nies Dill

The 36th Nies Clan reunion brought early-bird campers trying to get the best parking spots before the heat set in. New picnic tables outside the mess hall at Camp Needmore were perfect for visiting. Frank Kaeding tidied the kitchen from the prior weekend's Dino Dig and kept the beverages stocked.

Friday started with an early cemetery visit to Nies ancestors. The new Nies Clan Reunion est. 1953 flag provided by Terra Nies Doll made a good backdrop for pictures.

Jackie Baker Martin purchased all food and meals and tasks were assigned to each family.

Seventy-four relatives registered in total. Two canopies and plenty more lawnchairs were set up, along with a blowup kiddie pool for babies and ladder ball toss, cornhole, and soccer to keep the kids busy. Another storm in the night thankfully blew through, cooling everything down.

The Frank Kaeding family prepared breakfast both mornings. It was also Tiffany Kaeding's 34th birthday! Kids dug for loose change in the sandbox in the cool shade of a mature tree. A playpen and rug were added for the many babies: Ryxton Medearis (11 mos.), Luke Nies (10 mos.), Jaxon Tallent (9 mos.) and Fern Wagner (8 mos).

The Frank & Clara Nies family prepared Friday lunch. Mr. and Mrs. Ketterling, Betty Carroll, and Wayne & Lane (Powell) Buck stopped by. A silent auction, coordinated by Dave, Reggie and Edie began afterward with generous bidding. The family meeting held after lunch started with Troy Archuleta asking if we still wanted a reunion in 2025. The many cheers obviously meant 'YES.' The next reunion will be held July 24-27, 2025. The same officers as previous will carry forward (P - Troy Archuleta, VP - Frank Nies, T - Janet Dill) Carol Chandler Wagner, historian, except Kathleen Nies as secretary since Mariah Tallent was not able to attend this year.

The afternoon free time was spent between Emswiler Pool, Carter County Museum, Medicine Rocks, and the Frank Nies Ranch. Much more visiting also took place under the canopies with the tradition of a song led by Patrick Doane. Lots of family photos were taken by Nick Tallent and a 7 p.m. roast beef dinner prepared by Onah Caton descendants Doane/Sipe/Hawkins families with a '70 Years' cake provided by Sandra Nies Homolka to also honor Butch & Carole Nies and Bud and Stella Powell 60th Anniversary as well as David and Marie Doane and Jim and Kathy Nies 45th Anniversary and Dean and Mary Tarter, 55 years.

The Wilder Butte Band played from 9 to 11 p.m. with a marriage proposal of Chris to Tiffany Kaeding that had everyone in tears.

Camp was cleaned and all garbage packed out. Mark your calendars for July, 2025. We are Family.